Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for improved efficiency of an inventory management system, the method comprising: receiving, at a user device, one or more inventory search criteria, the inventory search criteria comprising at least a location criterion; prompting, by the user device, a remote server to perform a first inventory search of inventory data stored in a database using the search criteria, the inventory data comprising a location for each of a plurality of inventory items, the first inventory search comprising at least a geospatial search of the stored inventory data using the location criterion; receiving, at the user device from the remote server, a list of search results; automatically detecting, by the user device, that the user device is collocated with a facility associated with the inventory management system; receiving, from a beacon sensor of the user device, inventory data broadcast from a plurality of beacons associated with the facility, each of the beacons being collocated with a corresponding one of the plurality of inventory items; performing a second inventory search by correlating the inventory data broadcast from the plurality of beacons with results of the first inventory search; receiving image data from a camera of the user device, the image data comprising image data for an inventory item within a field-of-view of the camera; performing image classification on the image data to determine one or more class labels for the inventory item within the field-of-view of the camera; performing a third inventory search by correlating the class labels with results of the second inventory search; and presenting, by the user device, results of the third inventory search, the presented information comprising inventory data corresponding to at least one search result from the list of search results retrieved from the database during the first inventory search.
This invention relates to an inventory management system that improves search efficiency by combining geospatial, beacon-based, and image recognition techniques. The system addresses the challenge of quickly locating inventory items in large facilities by integrating multiple data sources to refine search results dynamically. The method begins by receiving inventory search criteria, including a location criterion, at a user device. The device prompts a remote server to perform a geospatial search of inventory data stored in a database, which includes location information for each item. The server returns a list of search results based on the criteria. The user device then detects its physical proximity to a facility associated with the inventory system. Using beacon sensors, the device receives broadcasted inventory data from multiple beacons, each collocated with an inventory item. The device performs a second search by correlating the beacon data with the initial search results, narrowing down the potential locations of items. Next, the device captures image data of an inventory item within its camera's field of view. Image classification is performed to determine class labels for the item, which are then correlated with the refined search results from the beacon data. The final search results, combining all three data sources, are presented to the user, displaying inventory data corresponding to the most relevant items. This approach enhances inventory search accuracy by leveraging real-time location, proximity sensing, and visual recognition to streamline the retrieval process.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein performing the first inventory search comprises: sending a search request comprising the search criteria to a server device, wherein the server device performs the geospatial search of the stored inventory data.
This invention relates to inventory management systems that use geospatial data to improve search efficiency. The problem addressed is the difficulty of quickly locating inventory items across distributed storage locations based on geographic proximity or other spatial criteria. The solution involves a method for performing a geospatial search of stored inventory data to identify items that meet specific search criteria, such as location, availability, or other spatial attributes. The method includes sending a search request containing the search criteria to a server device, which then performs the geospatial search of the stored inventory data. The server device processes the request by analyzing the inventory data to identify items that match the specified criteria, such as items located within a certain geographic radius or meeting other spatial conditions. The results of the search are then returned to the requesting device, allowing users to quickly locate inventory items based on their geographic distribution. This approach improves the efficiency of inventory searches by leveraging geospatial data to filter and prioritize results based on location, reducing the time and effort required to find relevant items. The system can be applied in logistics, retail, or supply chain management to optimize inventory tracking and retrieval.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a unique identifier for each of the plurality of inventory items, wherein performing the second inventory search comprises matching unique identifiers broadcast from the plurality of beacons to unique identifiers within the results of the first inventory search.
This invention relates to inventory management systems that use wireless beacons to track and locate items. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing large inventories by combining beacon-based tracking with database searches to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort. The method involves storing inventory data that includes a unique identifier for each item. A first inventory search is performed to retrieve a subset of items from the database based on certain criteria, such as location or category. The system then conducts a second search by matching unique identifiers broadcast from multiple wireless beacons to the identifiers of items in the first search results. This ensures that only relevant items are tracked, reducing false positives and improving efficiency. The beacons transmit signals containing their unique identifiers, which are detected by a receiver. The system compares these identifiers to those in the first search results to determine which items are present. This two-step approach enhances accuracy by narrowing down the search space before beacon-based tracking, making the system more scalable for large inventories. The method is particularly useful in warehouses, retail stores, or logistics centers where real-time tracking of items is critical.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the stored inventory data comprises descriptive information for each of the plurality of inventory items, wherein presenting the results of the third inventory search comprises presenting the descriptive information for one or more of the plurality of inventory items.
This invention relates to an inventory management system that enhances search functionality by presenting detailed descriptive information for inventory items. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently retrieving and displaying relevant inventory data in response to user queries, particularly in large or complex inventory databases. The method involves storing inventory data that includes descriptive attributes for each item, such as specifications, categories, or other relevant details. When a user performs a search, the system processes the query to identify matching items and then presents the results along with the associated descriptive information. This allows users to quickly assess the relevance and suitability of each item without needing additional searches or manual lookups. The descriptive data may include text, images, or other media to provide a comprehensive overview of the inventory items. By integrating this detailed information into the search results, the system improves user efficiency and decision-making in inventory management tasks. The approach is particularly useful in environments where quick access to item details is critical, such as retail, logistics, or manufacturing operations. The system may also support filtering or sorting based on the descriptive attributes to further refine search results.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a sales price for each of the plurality of inventory items.
A system and method for managing inventory data in a retail or distribution environment addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and utilizing product information across multiple locations or systems. The method involves storing inventory data for a plurality of items, where the data includes a sales price for each item. This data is used to generate a consolidated inventory report that provides a comprehensive view of available stock, pricing, and other relevant details. The system may also include features for updating inventory levels in real-time, integrating with point-of-sale systems, and generating alerts for low stock or pricing discrepancies. By centralizing inventory data and incorporating sales prices, the system enables businesses to optimize stock management, improve pricing consistency, and enhance decision-making processes. The method ensures that inventory information is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible, reducing operational inefficiencies and improving customer satisfaction. The system may also support multi-location synchronization, allowing businesses with multiple stores or warehouses to maintain consistent inventory records across all locations.
6. The method of claim 1 comprising: storing the results of the first inventory search to a non-volatile memory of the user device, wherein presenting the results of the third inventory search comprises using the results of the first inventory search stored to the non-volatile memory of the user device.
This invention relates to inventory management systems, specifically improving the efficiency of inventory searches on user devices. The problem addressed is the delay and resource consumption associated with repeatedly performing the same inventory searches, particularly in environments where inventory data is frequently accessed but rarely changes. The method involves conducting a first inventory search to retrieve initial inventory data, which is then stored in the non-volatile memory of the user device. Subsequent inventory searches, such as a third inventory search, utilize the stored results from the first search rather than performing a new search. This reduces processing time, network bandwidth, and power consumption by avoiding redundant data retrieval. The stored results are used to present the inventory data, ensuring consistency while minimizing computational overhead. The system may include a user device with non-volatile memory, an inventory database, and a communication interface to access the database. The method ensures that frequently accessed inventory data is cached locally, improving responsiveness and efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in retail, logistics, or warehouse management where inventory checks are common but inventory changes infrequently. By leveraging stored search results, the system optimizes performance without sacrificing data accuracy.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the location criterion comprises at least one of: a location and search radius; one or more zip codes; and one or more locality names.
This invention relates to location-based search systems, specifically improving the precision and flexibility of search queries by refining location criteria. The problem addressed is the need for more accurate and adaptable location-based searches, which are often limited to rigid geographic boundaries or single-point coordinates. The solution involves defining location criteria in multiple flexible ways to enhance search relevance. The method allows users to specify location-based searches using at least one of three criteria: a central location with a search radius, one or more zip codes, or one or more locality names. A location and search radius enables a circular search area around a specified point, useful for proximity-based queries. Zip codes provide predefined geographic boundaries, while locality names (e.g., city or neighborhood names) allow searches based on named regions. These criteria can be combined or used independently to refine search results. The system processes these criteria to filter and rank search results, ensuring relevance to the specified location parameters. This approach improves user experience by accommodating different geographic query needs, whether for broad or precise location-based searches. The method is applicable in various domains, including local business searches, real estate, and navigation services.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the location criterion comprises coordinates determined by a location sensor of the user device.
A system and method for determining a user device's location based on sensor data. The invention addresses the challenge of accurately identifying a user device's position in a physical space, particularly in environments where traditional GPS signals may be weak or unavailable. The method involves using a location sensor integrated into the user device to generate precise coordinates representing the device's current position. These coordinates are then applied as a location criterion to determine the device's location within a defined area or region. The system may also incorporate additional sensors or data sources to enhance accuracy, such as Wi-Fi triangulation, Bluetooth beacons, or inertial measurement units (IMUs). The method ensures reliable location tracking even in indoor or urban environments where GPS signals are unreliable. The coordinates generated by the location sensor are processed to filter out noise and improve precision, ensuring that the device's position is accurately mapped to a specific area. This approach enables applications such as indoor navigation, asset tracking, and location-based services to function effectively without relying solely on GPS. The system may also dynamically adjust the location criterion based on environmental factors or user movement patterns to maintain accuracy over time.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of inventory items comprises a plurality of vehicles.
This invention relates to inventory management systems, specifically for tracking and managing a plurality of vehicles. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and inaccuracies in traditional inventory tracking methods, particularly for large or mobile assets like vehicles. The invention provides a system that uses real-time data collection and analysis to monitor vehicle inventory, improving accuracy and operational efficiency. The system includes sensors or tracking devices installed on each vehicle to collect data such as location, status, and condition. This data is transmitted to a central processing unit, which processes and stores it in a database. The system also includes a user interface for displaying inventory status, generating reports, and alerting users to discrepancies or maintenance needs. The processing unit analyzes the collected data to detect patterns, predict maintenance requirements, and optimize vehicle allocation. For vehicle inventory, the system ensures real-time tracking of each vehicle's location, usage, and condition, reducing losses and improving fleet management. The sensors may include GPS, RFID, or IoT devices, while the processing unit applies machine learning or statistical models to enhance decision-making. The user interface allows administrators to view dashboards, set alerts, and generate compliance reports. This approach minimizes manual tracking errors and enhances operational efficiency in industries like logistics, automotive, and rental services.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each of the plurality of vehicles.
The invention relates to a system for managing and tracking vehicle inventory, particularly in a dealership or fleet management environment. The problem addressed is the need for accurate, efficient, and centralized tracking of vehicle information to streamline operations, improve customer service, and reduce errors in inventory management. The system includes a database that stores detailed inventory data for a plurality of vehicles. This data includes a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each vehicle, which serves as a key identifier for tracking and retrieving vehicle-specific information. The VIN is used to link additional data such as vehicle specifications, ownership history, maintenance records, and transaction details. The system may also include a user interface for inputting, updating, and retrieving this data, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible to authorized personnel. The method involves capturing and storing the VIN along with other inventory data, allowing for precise identification and management of each vehicle. This ensures that all records are accurately linked to the correct vehicle, reducing the risk of misidentification or data errors. The system may also support automated updates, such as when a vehicle is sold or serviced, to maintain real-time accuracy. By integrating VIN-based tracking, the system enhances operational efficiency, improves data integrity, and provides a reliable reference for inventory management, sales, and service operations. This approach is particularly useful in environments where large numbers of vehicles must be tracked and managed.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a make, model, and year for each of the plurality of vehicles.
The invention relates to a system for managing vehicle inventory data, addressing the challenge of efficiently organizing and retrieving detailed information about multiple vehicles. The method involves storing inventory data for a plurality of vehicles, where the data includes specific attributes such as the make, model, and year for each vehicle. This structured approach allows for precise identification and categorization of vehicles within a database. The system may also include additional features, such as generating a list of vehicles based on user-defined criteria, which can be filtered or sorted to facilitate quick access to relevant information. The method ensures that inventory data is accurately maintained and easily retrievable, improving operational efficiency in vehicle management. By standardizing the storage of vehicle attributes, the system enables better decision-making and inventory tracking for businesses dealing with large fleets or sales operations. The focus on make, model, and year ensures compatibility with existing industry standards and simplifies integration with other vehicle-related databases.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the stored inventory data comprises third party review information for one or more of the plurality of inventory items.
This invention relates to inventory management systems that incorporate third-party review information to enhance decision-making. The system collects and stores inventory data for multiple items, including product details, availability, and pricing. A key feature is the integration of third-party review information, such as customer ratings, feedback, or expert evaluations, for one or more inventory items. This review data is used to improve inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and purchasing recommendations. The system may analyze review trends to identify high-performing or underperforming items, adjust stock levels accordingly, and provide insights to users. By leveraging external review data, the system helps businesses make more informed inventory decisions, optimize stock management, and enhance customer satisfaction. The invention addresses challenges in traditional inventory systems that rely solely on internal data, offering a more comprehensive approach to inventory optimization.
13. A method for improved efficiency of an inventory management system, the method comprising: determining a location of a user device using a location sensor; receiving search results from a server device, the first search results comprising information for a plurality of inventory items within a predetermined distance from the determined location, the first search results comprising a unique identifier and descriptive information for each of the inventory items; automatically detecting that the user is collocated with a facility associated with the inventory management system; receiving signals broadcast from a plurality of beacons associated with the facility, each of the beacons collocated with a corresponding one of the plurality of inventory items, each of the beacons broadcasting a unique identifier for the corresponding inventory item; narrowing the search results using the unique identifiers broadcast from the plurality of beacons; and presenting a user interface (UI) to display the narrowed search results to a user of the user device.
This invention relates to improving the efficiency of inventory management systems by dynamically filtering search results based on a user's location and proximity to inventory items. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently locating specific items within a facility by leveraging real-time location data and beacon-based identification. The method involves determining the location of a user device using a location sensor, such as GPS or Wi-Fi triangulation. A server then provides search results for inventory items within a predetermined distance from the user's location, including unique identifiers and descriptive information for each item. The system automatically detects when the user enters a facility associated with the inventory management system. Once inside, the user device receives signals from multiple beacons, each associated with a specific inventory item and broadcasting its unique identifier. The system narrows the search results by cross-referencing the beacon-broadcasted identifiers with the server-provided data, ensuring only relevant items are displayed. The filtered results are then presented in a user interface, allowing the user to quickly locate items of interest within the facility. This approach enhances inventory management by reducing search time and improving accuracy through real-time proximity-based filtering.
14. The method of claim 13 comprising: receiving image data from a camera of the user device; performing image classification on the image data to determine one or more class labels for an inventory item within the field-of-view of the camera; further narrowing the search results using the one or more class labels; and presenting the UI to display the further narrowed search results to the user.
This invention relates to an image-based search system for identifying and retrieving inventory items using a user device. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently locating specific items within a large inventory by leveraging visual recognition and classification techniques. The method involves capturing image data of an inventory item using a camera on the user device. The system then performs image classification on the captured data to determine one or more class labels for the item, which categorizes it based on visual features. These class labels are used to refine and narrow down search results from a broader inventory database. The refined results are then displayed to the user in a user interface, allowing for quick and accurate identification of the desired item. The system may also incorporate additional filtering based on metadata or user preferences to further enhance search precision. This approach improves inventory management by reducing manual search efforts and increasing the speed and accuracy of item retrieval.
15. The method of claim 13 comprising: sending a search request comprising the location to the server device.
A system and method for location-based search optimization improves the efficiency and accuracy of search queries by incorporating real-time location data. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of traditional search systems that do not dynamically adjust search parameters based on the user's current location, leading to irrelevant or suboptimal results. The invention enhances search functionality by integrating location data into the search process, allowing the system to prioritize or filter results based on proximity or other location-specific criteria. The method involves a user device determining its current location, which may be obtained through GPS, Wi-Fi, or other positioning technologies. The location data is then transmitted to a server device as part of a search request. The server processes the request by analyzing the location data alongside the search query to generate more relevant results. This may include ranking results by distance, filtering out non-local options, or incorporating location-based preferences. The server then returns the optimized search results to the user device for display. The system may also include additional features such as caching frequently accessed location-based queries to reduce processing time and improve responsiveness. The method ensures that search results are dynamically tailored to the user's current context, enhancing the overall search experience.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the server device is coupled to a database configured to store inventory data for the plurality of inventory items.
This invention relates to a system for managing inventory items, particularly focusing on tracking and retrieving inventory data. The method involves a server device that is connected to a database specifically designed to store detailed inventory data for multiple items. The database contains information about the inventory items, such as their quantities, locations, and other relevant attributes. The server device processes requests for inventory data, retrieves the requested information from the database, and provides it to the requesting entity. This system ensures that inventory data is centrally managed and easily accessible, improving efficiency in tracking and managing inventory across multiple items. The method may also include additional steps such as updating the database when inventory changes occur, ensuring the data remains accurate and up-to-date. The overall goal is to streamline inventory management by providing a reliable and centralized database system that supports real-time data access and updates.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a sales price and a location for each of the plurality of inventory items.
This invention relates to inventory management systems that track and organize items in a database. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing large inventories by storing detailed information for each item, including sales prices and physical locations. The method involves maintaining a database of inventory items, where each entry includes at least a sales price and a location identifier. This allows users to quickly retrieve pricing and location data for any item in the inventory. The system may also include additional features such as updating inventory levels, generating reports, and integrating with point-of-sale systems. By centralizing this information, the system improves inventory accuracy, reduces manual tracking errors, and enhances operational efficiency. The method ensures that sales personnel and managers can access real-time pricing and location data, facilitating faster transactions and better inventory control. The system may be implemented in retail, warehouse, or logistics environments where precise inventory tracking is critical. The stored data enables automated processes like price adjustments, stock replenishment alerts, and location-based inventory analysis. Overall, the invention provides a structured approach to inventory management, combining pricing and location data to streamline operations and decision-making.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the plurality of inventory items comprises a plurality of vehicles.
This invention relates to inventory management systems, specifically for tracking and managing a plurality of vehicles. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently monitoring and organizing large fleets of vehicles, ensuring accurate inventory tracking, and optimizing resource allocation. The method involves using a network of sensors and a centralized processing system to collect and analyze data related to vehicle locations, statuses, and conditions. The system can track various attributes such as vehicle identification, maintenance history, and operational status, enabling real-time updates and automated reporting. Additionally, the system may integrate with external databases to provide comprehensive insights into vehicle performance and availability. By leveraging this data, the system can optimize fleet utilization, reduce downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency. The method also includes features for alerting users to critical issues, such as maintenance needs or unauthorized vehicle movements, ensuring proactive management of the vehicle inventory. The system is designed to be scalable, accommodating different types of vehicles and varying fleet sizes, making it suitable for diverse applications in logistics, transportation, and fleet management industries.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the stored inventory data comprises a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each of the plurality of vehicles.
This method also stores the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for each vehicle in the inventory data.
20. A device comprising: a beacon sensor; a camera; a processor; and a user application configured for execution on the processor to: receive one or more inventory search criteria, the inventory search criteria comprising at least a location criterion; prompt a remote server to perform a first inventory search of inventory data stored in a database using the search criteria, the inventory data comprising a location for each of a plurality of inventory items, the first inventory search comprising at least a geospatial search of the stored inventory data using the location criterion; receive information for a plurality of inventory items by receiving, using the beacon sensor, signals broadcast from a plurality of beacons, each of the beacons collocated with a corresponding one of the plurality of inventory items, each of the beacons broadcasting at least a unique identifier for the corresponding inventory item; perform a second inventory search by correlating the inventory data broadcast from the plurality of beacons with results of the first inventory search; receive image data from the camera; perform image classification on the image data to determine one or more class labels for an inventory item within the field-of-view of the camera; select a first one of the plurality of inventory items using the one or more class labels; and present a user interface (UI) to display the descriptive information for the first one of the plurality of inventory items.
This invention relates to a device for locating and identifying inventory items in a physical space using multiple data sources. The problem addressed is the difficulty in efficiently searching for and verifying the location of inventory items in large or complex environments, such as warehouses or retail stores, where items may be misplaced or incorrectly cataloged. The device includes a beacon sensor, a camera, a processor, and a user application. The system first receives inventory search criteria, including a location criterion, and prompts a remote server to perform a geospatial search of stored inventory data to identify potential matches based on the location. Simultaneously, the beacon sensor detects signals from multiple beacons, each collocated with an inventory item and broadcasting a unique identifier. The device then correlates the beacon data with the server search results to refine the inventory search. Additionally, the camera captures image data, which the device processes using image classification to determine the class or type of an inventory item within the camera's field of view. The system selects an inventory item from the correlated results based on the image classification and displays its descriptive information in a user interface. This multi-modal approach combines geospatial data, beacon signals, and visual recognition to improve inventory search accuracy and user experience.
Unknown
June 9, 2020
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